A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to shoot little Isaac at his 1st birthday party. Isaac's mommy was a friend of mine in high school, so it was great to be around her and her family again. Little Isaac is a cutie pie, as you'll see in these pictures. Thank you, Casey and Jason, for giving me this opportunity! Best wishes with the next little Scott!! :):)
I had yet another great opportunity to shoot pictures at a 1st birthday party. Daniel S. turned 1 May 18th, exactly 7 months after my baby turned 1. Beth asked me to take pictures and of course I could not turn it down. I know Daniel, his mommy and daddy well. Beth and Rod were my first wedding (by myself). We didn't know each other when she called me to meet to discuss her potential wedding, but here we are years later as friends, and very good friends.
That's something I love about what I do. So very often I meet these people and it's like we were meant to be friends . . . because, well, we were. I know God brought us together for a purpose. He always has a purpose. I think this time He knew that Beth would be a great influence on my life and today I can say how right He was. She is one of the most spiritual people I know. When we hardly knew each other (yet felt like we had known each other for forever), she prayed over me after I told her about my 3rd miscarriage. The Spirit just radiates through her. Wow, I love that girl. I am so so blessed to have her in my life now . . . not as a client but as a friend.
People always ask at her events (baby shower, birthday parties, etc.) who I am. She said she couldn't tell people I was her wedding photographer because I'm so much more than that now, so she says I am a good friend who also shot their wedding :c)
Daniel . . . a true gift, had his 1st birthday, and it was fabulous. Such a precious little boy he is. He was named after Daniel in the Bible, so he has lions all over his little bedroom and his birthday party had a lion theme. I know there's more to his name because it means something in Portuguese, too, but I can't remember. See, his daddy is Brazilian. Beth and Rodrigo met in college in the states. Shortly after they were married, they went to Brazil and lived. During Beth's pregnancy they moved back, rented an apartment, then bought their first home. Now they are here, and how blessed her family and friends are to have them back here. But I know Rod's family misses them deeply. It would be so so hard to have your grandchild thousands of miles away. And of course they don't get to visit one another much because it's such a long way away . . . and quite expensive . . . I know because I've been to Rio. It's not a fun flight!
Anyhow, here's some of the many photos. I really think these tell an amazing story. Thanks so much, Beth and Rod, for having me be a part of this extraordiary day.
This picture speaks volumes. Rod is a pastor . . . and a mighty fine one. Right before Daniel dove into his cake, Rod read some scripture. What an amazing sight this was to see as him read from the Bible, Beth looking on with her strong (obvious) compassion for her God as Rod touched Daniel's head. It was just so powerful and amazing . . . and I swear Daniel listened contently to every word his daddy said.
I think this is my favorite photo from the whole day! . . . Right inside the door, you can see Daniel's grandma laughing as Beth and Daniel come inside after he devoured his cake . . . I just love this shot.
Tired boy . . . right before Beth takes him for his nap . . . their love for one another just shines . . . 
